Renovated Richmond house fetches over $3m at auction

The Richmond weatherboard Jacqui Ellett transformed into a luxury entertainer sold for more than $3m under the hammer.

After almost 20 years in Richmond, Jacqui Ellett has farewelled her family home, a weatherboard she transformed into a luxury entertainer, with an over $3m auction result on Saturday.

The Murphy St property was guided at $2.7m-$2.9m and sold above the top of its range, watched by a crowd of about 150 onlookers.

Ms Ellett bought the house six years ago and undertook what she described as a labour of love, pouring time and money into a high-quality renovation that turned the dated single-level cottage into a contemporary oasis.

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“Natural light was my non-negotiable — I wanted openness, flow and that calming feel you get when a home breathes,” she said.

“I invested more into the renovation than what it sold for, but I see it as a strong result for everyone.

“The buyers have a beautiful home, and I can now chase the tree change I’ve been craving.”

She said auction day was filled with mixed emotions.

“It’s definitely bittersweet. This has been such a beautiful house to live in, and saying goodbye after almost 20 years in Richmond is hard. “But I’m also excited about what’s next.”

The transformation journey was stark. Before the works, the home was a dated weatherboard with a tired kitchen, closed-off rooms and a bare backyard.

The front bedroom before renovation, with a dated layout and dark tones limiting natural light.

Post-renovation main bedroom showcases timber floors, bright finishes and seamless flow around the original fireplace.

Now it features a skylit stone kitchen, expansive open-plan living, and a resort-style outdoor zone with a gas-heated pool, spa and alfresco deck.

“I love organic touches — the timber floors, the stone benchtops, those details create warmth and a sense of quality,” Ms Ellett said.

“To me, it’s all about a home feeling effortless, light and inviting.”

Before: the Richmond backyard was bare and under-utilised, offering little appeal for outdoor living.

After: a gas-heated pool, spa and deck turned the outdoor zone into a private resort-style retreat.

Ray White Balwyn’s Brad Cooper, who led the campaign and called the auction, said four bidders fought for the keys.

“It was an exceptional campaign — the sun was shining, the crowd was buzzing, and it was an auctioneer’s dream,” Mr Cooper said.

“With a pool, alfresco deck and nearly 500sq m of land, the home offered lifestyle without compromise. That rarity fuelled competition.”

He said timing also played a role, with limited stock, strong clearance rates and a recent interest rate cut driving buyer momentum.

The former kitchen was closed-off and outdated, lacking space and flow to the living area.

A skylit stone kitchen with sleek cabinetry and open-plan design became the centrepiece of the home.

Ms Ellett, who is moving to Donvale near the Mullum Mullum Trail, said she would miss Richmond’s cafe culture and friendships most.

“Richmond has such a vibrant lifestyle, the coffee spots, the restaurants, the energy of the community, that will be the hardest part to leave behind,” she said.